By Suzanne Martinez By Suzanne Martinez Diamond engagement rings have been around a long time; no other piece of jewelry is as steeped in historical sensibility as the engagement ring. Rings have been used since ancient times to symbolize marriage. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were symbolic of the “eternal flame of love,” while the ancient Romans placed an engagement ring on the “ring finger” of the betrothed, believing this finger contained a vein that led to the heart. In 1477, the Archduke of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with the first diamond engagement ring ever used in recorded history. This set into motion a trend that continues to this day, as similar minded noblemen and aristocrats began giving rings to their dearly betrothed. Diamond engagement rings increased in popularity as humanity moved through the Renaissance, Baroque, Georgian, and Victorian eras into modern contemporary times. One thing remains true, however. As other jewelry trends fluctuated over time, engagement rings steadily increased in renown and splendor. Unlike other jewelry items that waxed and waned in popularity, diamonds remained popular, in part, due to their strength as a stone. Only a diamond can cut another diamond, making the substance one of the strongest on earth; a perfect representation of a new couple’s life together. In addition, a diamond ring can handle the wear of daily life in a way other stones cannot. This resilient stone is prized by men and women who wish to live a versatile lifestyle. Rich tradition and unbreakable molecular structure notwithstanding, the diamond engagement ring’s most appeal​ ing quality is its​ symbolism. Onlookers who gaze upon an engagement ring on your finger know what it represents. It immediately evokes a sense of tremendous purpose; the ring dazzles like a beacon, symbolizing the wearer is betrothed...

By Mimi Henderson Millenary Hand Wound It took Audemars Piaget three years to perfect its newest Millenary watches for women — mechanical watches with a new movement. Indeed, the new Millenary watches – characterized by the horizontal oval shape of the brand’s long-standing Millenary line – do not disappoint, especially since the women’s watches are equipped with an all-new in-house-made movement (caliber 5201) that further underscores the brand’s dedication to creating significant pieces for women. Millenary in rose gold The hand-wound Caliber 5201 consists of 157 components and offers small seconds indication, as well as off-centered time-indication dial to allow dial-side viewing of the mainplate and certain meticulously finished movement parts. The movement complete with the module for the sub-seconds indication measures just 4.16mm thick and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The 19-jewel caliber offers 54 hours of power reserve. Millenary caseback. This superb movement- finished to the same exacting standards as any other Audemars Piguet caliber – is housed in a 39.5mm oval case that measures 9.80mm thick and is water resistant to 20 meters. There are three versions of the watch, each with a mother-of-pearl off-center dial and sub-seconds dial. One model, crafted in 18-karat white gold, features a diamond-set bezel and lugs – with more than 116 brilliant-cut diamonds — and is finished with a pink sapphire cabochon crown. This model offers rose-gold rimmed dials and rose-gold hands for striking contrast to the white gold case. There is also a pink-gold cased version of this watch that offers harmonious appeal with the matching case, hands and dial rims. Diamond Millenary The third version is a higher-diamond beauty. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the watch features blued gold hands and is meticulously set with 438 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case, case sides and lugs. Another...

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